I just get carried away, A4 transit case project

[jdmcomp]

I know this is not authentic but just for grins>Attachment 21647Attachment 21646Attachment 21645Attachment 21648

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[RBruce]

Sweeeet!

[rayg]

Fantistic work, is the mint A4 one of your projects also, Ray

[jdmcomp]

Fantistic work, is the mint A4 one of your projects also, Ray

Wish I could take credit for it but the gun is a Gibbs repro. Since the gun was not "original" I felt the case made some sense. I copied much of the Enfield case altering it to suit the 1903a4 and of course my skills. Much of the hardware in the Brit case is specific to GB so some changes are called for. And I just do not have the equipment for making the fine finger joins of the Enfield case . Retirement has allowed me time to play, and this is how I do it.

[Allen Humphrey]

Very cool! I love projects like that. PLEASE tell me you have a Willys jeep to carry it to the range.

[RBruce]

Care to provide dimensions?

[Mike D]

Nice project! I likes working with wood!

[jdmcomp]

Care to provide dimensions?

Sure, the bottom and top are 1X6 and sides/ends are 1x8 pine (be sure your 1x8 is really 1x8 as mine was slightly narrow). Exterior length is 45.5 inches which just allows the rifle to fit inside with the leather pads at each end preventing damage. I mitered the corners and cross drilled to fit 1/4 dowels pegs to reinforce the glue joints.

Hinges and hasps are hardware items but I avoid phililps head screws and use only slotted screws (not always possible). All points where the gun touches wood are leather lined with heavy leather scrap and belt material. I do have patterns for the slotted parts that hold the gun.

I will take some close up pictures and post them with the patterns. Lots of details such as the felt weatherstripping with petro jelly rubbed in as a seal. Color was scanned from a 1918 45 mag pouch and stencils handcut from printouts on the computer. Glad to answer any questions.

[jdmcomp]

More pics of details and cutting pattern. Also, I pickle the hardware in a mixture of vinegar, salt and water for a couple of days to age it. Works pretty well for most zink plated or coated items. Leather is scrap and belt blanks from local leather craft shop. I really need to buy a good stencil brush and quit the spray paint. Inside of box is shellac, and do it before assembly. Need not ask why. Bottom is attached with glue and screws every 8 inches or so.

[A square 10]

very nice work